BEREA, Ohio—If Trent Richardson is going to live up of being a No. 3 overall draft pick, it’s time to get busy. It’s not enough for Richardson to have had a big game Sunday against the league’s then-No. 1 run defense, San Diego.

Certainly the Browns will take his 122 yards and the rare win. They are rightfully encouraged he broke tackles on a few chunk-yardage runs and displayed the quick feet that are a nifty complement to his nose for the end zone.

If Trent Richardson wants Rookie of the Year consideration, he needs to develop consistency for the Browns' rushing attack. (AP Photo)

Yet, it was Richardson’s only electric day since Week 2 at Cincinnati. He must prove he has the focus to be consistent and give the Browns a player who must be accounted for each week. He needs to use his thick build more and dance less.

Only Richardson knows—and he isn’t saying—how much he was slowed by a knee injury that knocked him out of the preseason, and a rib injury suffered two Sundays ago against the Bengals.

The San Diego game was a sign he has moved past both issues. The next opponent, Baltimore, has allowed more than 180 rushing yards to each of its last three opponents.

Even if the injury-plagued Ravens stack the box against Richardson, it will be no excuse for him not to be productive. It will help, of course, if rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden takes advantage of openings in the passing game if the Ravens sell out to stop Richardson.

Indianapolis made such an approach work against Richardson recently, but that was when his ribs were aching. The guess is Richardson is headed for Rookie of the Year contention if he shows well against Baltimore and comes out of the other side of the bye week in good health.